Happy as a Pig in Waller
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Happy as a Pig in Waller" means extremely happy or content - a colorful simile rooted in farm life and the regional word "waller" for "wallow."
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #TravelandLocation #Southern #FarmTalk
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Happy as a pig in waller' is more of an old timers, country phrase. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Happy as a pig in waller' is more of an old timers, country phrase. Pronunciation
[HAP-ee az a PIG in WAH-ler] /ˈhæpi əz ə pɪɡ ɪn ˈwɑlər/
Meaning & Usage
- Extremely happy or content (simile)
Pearl:
He’s got his new boat?
He’s got his new boat?
Jeb:
Yep - and he’s happy as a pig in waller about it.
Yep - and he’s happy as a pig in waller about it.variations: happy as a pig in wallow
★ Southern and Appalachian English loves similes tied to everyday rural life. "Waller" is the regional pronunciation of "wallow," so pairing it with a pig automatically creates a vivid, homey mental picture. ★
Origin and Etymology
Draws from the age-old image of pigs rolling in mud to stay cool and content. "Waller" instead of "wallow" is documented in Southern/Appalachian dialects since the 19th century, making this simile distinctively regional.
Usage Notes
Still widely heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it’s usually understood as "happy as a pig in mud" but sounds more colorful and folksy with "waller."
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "Happy as a pig in a waller" - "waller" instead of "wallow," often said with a grin or in a teasing way.
Kin Topics
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Happy as a Pig in Waller. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/happy-as-a-pig-in-waller
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Happy as a Pig in Waller." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/happy-as-a-pig-in-waller.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Happy as a Pig in Waller." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/happy-as-a-pig-in-waller.
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